Politics isn't just for politicians. Jake Schloegel, president of Schloegel Design Remodel in Kansas City, Mo., learned that lesson a few years ago as he battled for repeal of a sales tax that was having an impact on the remodeling industry. Kansas City, plus its counties and municipalities, had enacted a clutter of sales taxes that remodelers had to be aware of, report, and submit. More
Using deck drainage systems, remodelers can create outdoor living spaces beneath elevated decks. More
In 1993, Kansas City, along with the rest of the Midwest, was flooded in one of the worst natural disasters in the U.S. Allen Townley, awarded Big50 that year, had six feet of water come through his office and showroom in 15 minutes, leaving the building beyond repair. More
How do you find, mobilize, schedule, and compensate the specialized craftspeople who do such meticulous work? More
Over the years, remodeler Bo Steed has found that the architects he has worked with usually have little to do with a residential project once the clients bring Steed Remodeling their plans. But that wasn't his experience when he worked on a kitchen-and-bath remodel near his office in Kansas City, Mo. More
Most states require corporations offering design services performed by its own employees to obtain a Certificate of Authority to practice architecture. Without it, the contractor is practicing illegally. More
Blogs are the ultimate word-of-mouth advertising. Always play fair and take care of your customers, subs, and suppliers, and even if you get a negative blog post from time to time, there will be an even greater number of happy bloggers coming to your rescue. More
Each of these employees has been given a certain amount of autonomy by the company owner; each has backup and support from colleagues; each has had training and experience in his or her field, which can be passed on to others; and each buys into the company's culture and vision. More
Do you have guidelines for employee-client interaction? More
Major Kitchen Remodel Project Description: (MIDRANGE) Update an outmoded 200-square-foot kitchen with design and installation of a functional layout of new cabinets, laminate countertops, and standard double-tub stainless steel sink with standard single-lever faucet. Include energy-efficient wall oven, cooktop, ventilation system, built-in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposer, and custom lighting. Add new resilient floor. Finish with painted walls, trim, and ceiling. Include 30 linear feet of semi-custom wood cabinets, including a 3-by-5-foot island. The national average cost of this project is $43,804. The upscale version of this project averages about a 79.6 percent return on investment. Read on to find out the average cost recouped on this project in your location. More